The Angels keep betting on power arms, and Chase Shores fits that mold in a big way.
Los Angeles took the LSU right-hander in the second round, and at 6’8” and 245 pounds, he’s the kind of pitcher you notice the second he steps on the mound. Jason Pennini of Baseball America recently profiled Shores from instructional league, and the report centered on exactly what the Angels were buying: size, velocity, and the hope that it all plays in a bullpen role.
Pennini described Shores as “high-waisted and long-limbed,” but the overall picture is still one of a pitcher who comes at hitters from a steep, intimidating angle. The scout noted that Shores creates his velocity through strength and torque, while a simple delivery helps him avoid some of the mechanical problems that often show up with pitchers his size. He uses a short leg lift, “drifts” down the mound, and eventually the raw power takes over.
That doesn’t mean the package is clean just yet. Keeping everything synced up is the challenge, and strike throwing remains an issue.
But there’s more here than just arm strength. Shores works from a low three-quarters slot that borders on sidearm, and that release gives his fastball some tailing life.
The heater is sitting at 95-97 mph, and he backs it with an 85-88 mph slider and an 87-89 mph changeup.
He can also climb the ladder with the fastball when he gets to two strikes, which gives him another way to finish hitters. In the outing Pennini watched, Shores showed the ability to miss bats with all three pitches and left a strong impression, even though no details were provided on his next step in the Angels’ system.
For Los Angeles, the attraction is obvious. The organization has leaned into velocity, but the results haven’t always followed.
Ben Joyce was expected to handle the closer job, but arm surgery delayed his return, and when he finally got back, throwing strikes became a problem. The Angels ended up with the fewest saves among their lead closers in baseball, leaving the door open for someone like Shores if he keeps progressing once instructional league wraps up.
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